Computer-readable storage medium having game program stored therein, and game apparatus

ABSTRACT

User saved-data storage means S 19  stores user saved-data which is generated as a result of a game play performed by a user. Digest saved-data storage means S 48  stores a plurality of pieces of digest saved-data which are previously generated so as to be associated with predetermined scenes, respectively, in a game. Game start means S 14  starts the game process without using the user saved-data and the plurality of pieces of digest saved-data. Game resuming means S 12 , S 13  starts the game process by using the user saved-data. Digest game start means S 4  starts the game process by using any of the plurality of pieces of digest saved-data. Saving means S 19  generates the user saved-data, only in the game process started by the game start means or the game resuming means.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-176669, filed onJul. 4, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a computer-readable storage mediumhaving a game program stored therein and a game apparatus, and moreparticularly to a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereina game program executed by a computer of a game apparatus which performsa game process in accordance with an operation input from a user so asto allow a game play, and a game apparatus.

2. Description of the Background Art

Conventionally, multiple types of video games have been played by usingvideo game apparatuses. The video games include a role playing game, anaction adventure game, and an action role playing game.

In these games, a core story or scenario is previously set, and the gameis played in accordance with the story or the scenario in general.However, in some of these games, a volume of the story or the scenariois too large, and therefore a lot of time is needed for clearing thegame. Further, in some cases, various puzzles are set in the scenario,and/or a skilled action (operation to be performed by a player) and thelike are required, so as to enhance an interest in the game. However,there is a problem that these puzzles and the like are too difficult,and therefore the game may be stuck halfway, and the game may not becleared to the end. As means for solving the problem, disclosed is agame control method for lowering the difficulty level of a game bypresenting, while the game is being played, a hint for allowing the gameto be continued (for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.2002-200351). In the game control method, in a case where a characterthat is allowed to perform a particular action is not in a party (agroup to which a player character operated by a player belongs), a hintmessage is presented when a position at which the particular action canbe performed is approached. Therefore, a player may not become stuckwith the game, and is allowed to easily clear the game.

However, the game control method disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open PatentPublication No. 2002-200351 described above has the following problem.Specifically, a user that has sufficient time for playing, to the end, alarge volume of game requiring a lot of time for clearing the game isallowed to enjoy the large volume of game. However, there is a problemthat a user that does not have sufficient time for the game play may notenjoy the large volume of game to the end and give up the game halfwayeven when the difficulty level of game is lowered by presenting a hintor the like in the middle of the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide acomputer-readable storage medium having stored therein a game programfor allowing a player to freely play and enjoy the game to the end, anda game apparatus.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide acomputer-readable storage medium having stored therein a game programfor preventing a player who desires to clear a game by him/herself fromlosing his/her interest in the game, and a game apparatus.

The present invention has the following features to attain the objectmentioned above. The reference numerals, the supplementary descriptionand the like in the parentheses indicate an exemplary correspondencewith the embodiment described below in order to aid in understanding thepresent invention and are not intended to limit, in anyway, the scope ofthe present invention.

A first aspect is directed to a computer-readable storage medium havingstored therein a game program executed by a computer of a game apparatusfor performing a game process in accordance with a user making anoperation input, so as to play a game, and the computer is caused tofunction as game process means (S21); user saved-data storage means(S19); digest saved-data storage means (S48); game start means (S14);game resuming means (S12, S13); digest game start means (S4), and savingmeans (S19). The game process means performs the game process. The usersaved-data storage means stores user saved-data which is generated as aresult of a game play performed by a user. The digest saved-data storagemeans stores a plurality of pieces of digest saved-data which arepreviously generated so as to be associated with predetermined scenes,respectively, in the game. The game start means starts the game processwithout using the user saved-data and the plurality of pieces of digestsaved-data. The game resuming means starts the game process by using theuser saved-data. The digest game start means starts the game process byusing any of the plurality of pieces of digest saved-data. The savingmeans generates the user saved-data, only in the game process started byone of the game start means and the game resuming means, and stores theuser saved-data in a user saved-data storage means.

According to the first aspect, it is possible to optionally start thegame even from a scene in the middle of the game, based on the digestsaved-data. Therefore, even a player that does not have a lot of timefor game play may enjoy the game to the end. Further, when the game isstarted by using the digest saved-data, the game is not allowed to besaved, and therefore a player that desires to clear the game byhim/herself may not lose his/her interest in the game.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the program causes thecomputer to further function as moving image storage means and movingimage reproduction means. The moving image storage means stores a digestmoving image for sequentially displaying moving images associated with aplurality of scenes, respectively, in the game. The moving imagereproduction means reads the digest moving image from the moving imagestorage means, and reproduces the digest moving image. The digestsaved-data storage means stores the plurality of pieces of digestsaved-data so as to be associated with reproduction portions at whichthe predetermined scenes, respectively, are displayed in the digestmoving image. Further, the digest game start means starts, when apredetermined input is made while the digest moving image is beingreproduced, the game process by using digest saved-data among theplurality of pieces of digest saved-data, the digest saved-data amongthe plurality of pieces of digest saved-data being associated with areproduction portion, among the reproduction portions, at which thepredetermined input is made.

According to the second aspect, a player is allowed to know the gamecontent by viewing the digest moving image, and start the game from adesired scene in the digest moving image. Therefore, a player that doesnot have sufficient time for the game play can fully understand the gamecontent and easily enjoy the game, so that game can be played to theend.

In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the program causes thecomputer to further function as scene selection means for displaying aplurality of pieces of scene information associated with thepredetermined scenes, respectively, in the game so as to allow one ofthe predetermined scenes to be selected. Further, the digest game startmeans starts the game process by using one of the plurality of pieces ofdigest saved-data, the one of the plurality of pieces of digestsaved-data being associated with the one of the predetermined scenes inthe game, the one of the predetermined scenes having been selected bythe scene selection means.

According to the third aspect, it is possible to start the game from ascene desired by a player. Further, it is possible to smoothly play thegame by using the digest saved-data provided in accordance with thescenes, respectively.

In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect, the program causes thecomputer to further function as connection means and digest saved-datareception means. The connection means connects the game apparatusthrough a network to a predetermined server in which the plurality ofpieces of digest saved-data are stored. The digest saved-data receptionmeans receives any of the plurality of pieces of digest saved-data fromthe predetermined server through the connection means. Further, thedigest game start means starts the game process by using the digestsaved-data received from the predetermined server by the digestsaved-data reception means.

According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to acquire the digestsaved-data through the network. Therefore, it is unnecessary to includethe digest saved-data in the game program which is supplied as aproduct, or the like, and it is possible to reduce a storage capacitynecessary for a storage medium for the game program, and the like.

In a fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the program causes thecomputer to further function as time period measurement means formeasuring a time period from a predetermined time point to a time atwhich the game process is being currently performed. Further, the digeststart means starts the game process by using any of the plurality ofpieces of digest saved-data only when the time period measured by thetime period measurement means represents a value greater than apredetermined value.

According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to prevent a player thatdesires to clear the game by him/herself from reducing his/her interestin the game.

A sixth aspect is directed to a game program executed by a computer of agame apparatus for performing a game process in accordance with a usermaking an operation input, and staring the game process by using saveddata, and the computer is caused to function as: moving image storagemeans (S17); moving image reproduction means (S42); digest saved-datastorage means (S48); and digest game start means (S4). The moving imagestorage means stores a digest moving image for sequentially displayingmoving images associated with a plurality of scenes, respectively, in agame. The moving image reproduction means reads the digest moving imagefrom the moving image storage means, and reproduces the digest movingimage. The digest saved-data storage means stores a plurality of piecesof digest saved-data which are previously generated so as to beassociated with predetermined scenes, respectively, in the game. Thedigest game start means starts the game process by using any of theplurality of pieces of digest saved-data.

According to the sixth aspect, a player is allowed to know the gamecontent by viewing the digest moving image, and start the game from adesired scene in the digest moving image. Therefore, even a player thatdoes not have sufficient time for the game play can fully understand thegame content and easily enjoy the game, so that the game can be playedto the end.

A seventh aspect is directed to a game apparatus for performing a gameprocess in accordance with a user making an operation input, so as toplay a game, and the game apparatus comprises: game process means (10);user saved-data storage means (17): digest saved-data storage means(12); game start means (10); game resuming means (10); digest game startmeans (10); and saving means (10, 17). The game process means performsthe game process. The user saved-data storage means stores usersaved-data which is generated as a result of a game play performed by auser. The digest saved-data storage means stores a plurality of piecesof digest saved-data which are previously generated so as to beassociated with predetermined scenes, respectively, in the game. Thegame start means starts the game process without using the usersaved-data and the plurality of pieces of digest saved-data. The gameresuming means starts the game process by using the user saved-data. Thedigest game start means starts the game process by using any of theplurality of pieces of digest saved-data. The saving means generates theuser saved-data, only in the game process started by one of the gamestart means and the game resuming means, and stores the user saved-datain a user saved-data storage means.

According to the seventh aspect, the same effect as that of the firstaspect can be obtained.

An eighth aspect is directed to a game apparatus for performing a gameprocess in accordance with a user making an operation input, andstarting the game process by using saved data, and the game apparatuscomprises: game process means (10); moving image storage means (12);moving image reproduction means (10); digest saved-data storage means(12); and digest game start means (10). The game process means performsthe game process. The moving image storage means stores a digest movingimage for sequentially displaying moving images associated with aplurality of scenes, respectively, in a game. The moving imagereproduction means reads the digest moving image from the moving imagestorage means, and reproduces the digest moving image. The digestsaved-data storage means stores a plurality of pieces of digestsaved-data which are previously generated so as to be associated withpredetermined scenes, respectively, in the game. The digest game startmeans starts the game process by using any of the plurality of pieces ofdigest saved-data.

According to the eighth aspect, the same effect as that of the sixthaspect can be obtained.

According to the present invention, even a player that does not have alot of time for playing a large volume of game, and the like cansufficiently enjoy the content of the game. Further, when the game isstarted by using the digest saved-data, no saving is allowed in thegame, and therefore a player that desires to clear the game byhim/herself may not lose his/her interest in the game.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a game system 1 according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a game apparatus body 3 shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a controller 7 shown in FIG. 1 as viewedfrom the top rear side thereof;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the controller 7 shown in FIG. 3 asviewed from the bottom front side thereof;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a state where an upper housingof the controller 7 shown in FIG. 3 is removed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a lower housingof the controller 7 shown in FIG. 3 is removed;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of the controller 7shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary game screen used for the present embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary game screen used for the present embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary game screen used for the present embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary game screen used for the present embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary game screen used for the present embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary game screen used for the present embodiment;

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary game screen used for the present embodiment;

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary game screen used for the present embodiment;

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary game screen used for the present embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of an external mainmemory 12 of the game apparatus body 3;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of apuzzle table 126;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of anapproach movie 127;

FIG. 20 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an exemplary structure ofa digest movie in chronological order;

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of adigest movie correspondence table 129;

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of adigest saved-data 130;

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of a scenetable 131;

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a flash memory 17shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing game process according to the embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing in detail a game main process of step S3shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing in detail an approach movie reproductionprocess of step S18 shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing in detail a digest process of step S5shown in FIG. 25; and

FIG. 29 is a flow chart illustrating in detail a scene menu process ofstep S7 shown in FIG. 25.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is notlimited to this embodiment.

(Entire Structure of Game System)

With reference to FIG. 1, a game system 1 including a game apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.FIG. 1 is an external view of the game system 1. In the followingdescription, a stationary game apparatus is taken as an example fordescribing a game apparatus and a game program of the presentembodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a televisionreceiver (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “television”) 2, a gameapparatus body 3, an optical disc 4, a controller 7, and a markersection 8. In this system, the game apparatus body 3 performs gameprocess based on a game operation using the controller 7.

In the game apparatus body 3, the optical disc 4 typifying aninformation storage medium used for the game apparatus body 3 in anexchangeable manner is detachably inserted. A game program executed bythe game apparatus body 3 is stored in the optical disc 4. The gameapparatus body 3 has, on the front surface thereof, an insertion openingfor the optical disc 4. The game apparatus body 3 reads and executes thegame program stored in the optical disc 4 which is inserted through theinsertion opening, so as to perform the game process.

The game apparatus body 3 is connected to the television 2, which is anexemplary display device, through a connecting cord. A game imageobtained as a result of the game process performed by the game apparatusbody 3 is displayed on the television 2. Further, the marker section 8is provided on the periphery (in FIG. 1, on a portion above a screen) ofa screen of the television 2. The marker section 2 includes two markers8R and 8L on both ends thereof. Specifically, the marker 8R (as well asthe marker 8L) includes one or more infrared LED, and emits an infraredlight forward from the television 2. The marker section 8 is connectedto the game apparatus body 3, and the game apparatus body 3 is able tocontrol each infrared LED of the marker section 8 so as to light eachinfrared LED up.

The controller 7 is an input device for providing the game apparatusbody 3 with operation data representing a content of an operationperformed on the controller 7 itself. Radio communication is madebetween the controller 7 and the game apparatus body 3. In the presentembodiment, the radio communication between the controller 7 and thegame apparatus body 3 is made by using, for example, the Bluetooth(Registered Trademark) technology. In another embodiment, connectionbetween the controller 7 and the game apparatus body 3 may be a wiredconnection.

(Internal Structure of Game Apparatus Body 3)

Next, an internal structure of the game apparatus body 3 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagramillustrating a structure of the game apparatus body 3. The gameapparatus body 3 includes the CPU 10, a system LSI 11, an external mainmemory 12, a ROM/RTC 13, a disk drive 14, an AV-IC 15, and the like.

The CPU 10, functioning as a game processor, performs game process byexecuting the game program stored in the optical disc 4. The CPU 10 isconnected to the system LSI 11. To the system LSI 11, the external mainmemory 12, the ROM/RTC 13, the disk drive 14, and the AV-IC 15 as wellas the CPU 10 are connected. The system LSI 11 performs processes forcontrolling data transmission between the respective componentsconnected thereto, generating an image to be displayed, acquiring datafrom an external device, and the like. The internal structure of thesystem LSI will be described below. The external main memory 12 of avolatile type stores a program such as a game program read from theoptical disc 4 and a game program read from a flash memory 17, andvarious data, and the external main memory 12 is used as a work area anda buffer area for the CPU 10. The ROM/RTC 13 includes a ROM (so-called aboot ROM) incorporating a boot program for the game apparatus body 3,and a clock circuit (RTC: Real Time Clock) for counting a time. The diskdrive 14 reads program data, texture data, and the like from the opticaldisk 4, and writes the read data into an internal main memory 11 e orthe external main memory 12 described below.

Further, the system LSI 11 includes an input/output processor 11 a, aGPU (Graphics Processor Unit) 11 b, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 11c, a VRAM 11 d, and the internal main memory 11 e. These component 11 a,11 b, 11 c, 11 d, and 11 e are connected with each other through aninternal bus, which is not shown.

The GPU 11 b, acting as a part of rendering means, generates an image inaccordance with a graphics command (rendering command) from the CPU 10.More specifically, the GPU 11 b generates game image data by performinga calculation process necessary for displaying a 3D graphics inaccordance with the graphics command, such as a process for coordinatetransformation, from a 3D coordinate to a 2D coordinate, correspondingto a preprocessing for rendering, and a final rendering process such astexture mapping. The CPU 10 provides the GPU 11 b with an imagegeneration program necessary for generating the game image data inaddition to with the graphics command. The VRAM 11 d stores data (datasuch as polygon data and texture data) necessary for executing thegraphics command. When an image is generated, the GPU 11 b generatesimage data by using data stored in the VRAM 11 d.

The DSP 11 c, functioning as an audio processor, generates audio data byusing sound data and sound waveform (tone quality) data stored in theinternal main memory 11 e or the external main memory 12. Further, theinternal main memory 11 e as well as the external main memory 12 storesprograms and various data, and the internal main memory 11 e is alsoused as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 10.

The image data and the audio data generated as described above are readby the AV-IC 15. The AV-IC 15 outputs the read image data to thetelevision 2 through an AV connector 16, and outputs the read audio datato a speaker 2 a incorporated in the television 2. Thus, an image isdisplayed on the television 2, and a sound is outputted from the speaker2 a.

The input/output processor (I/O processor) 11 a performs datatransmission to and data reception from the component connected thereto,and download of data from an external device. The input/output processor11 a is connected to the flash memory 17, a wireless communicationmodule 18, a wireless controller module 19, an extension connector 20,and an external memory card connector 21. The wireless communicationmodule 18 is connected to an antenna 22, and the wireless controllermodule 19 is connected to an antenna 23.

The input/output processor 11 a is connected to a network via thewireless communication module 18 and the antenna 22, so as tocommunicate with another game apparatus and various servers connected tothe network. The input/output processor 11 a regularly accesses theflash memory 17, and detects for data which needs to be transmitted tothe network, and transmits, when the data is detected, the data to thenetwork through the wireless communication module 18 and the antenna 22.Further, the input/output processor 11 a receives data transmitted fromanother game apparatus, and/or download data from a download server,through the network, the antenna 22, and the wireless communicationmodule 18, and stores the received data and/or the downloaded data inthe flash memory 17. The CPU 10 executes a game program so as to readdata stored in the flash memory 17 and use the data on the game program.The flash memory 17 may store saved data (game result data orintermediate step data) of a game played by using the game apparatusbody 3 in addition to data transmitted from the game apparatus body 3 toanother game apparatus or the various servers, and data received by thegame apparatus body 3 from another game apparatus or the variousservers.

The input/output processor 11 a receives operation data transmitted fromthe controller 7 through the antenna 23 and the wireless controllermodule 19, and (temporarily) stores the received operation data in abuffer area of the internal main memory 11 e or the external main memory12.

Further, the input/output processor 11 a is connected to the extensionconnector 20 and the external memory card connector 21. The extensionconnector 20 is a connector for interface, such as a USB or a SCSI, andallows communication with the network by connecting thereto a media suchas an external storage media, connecting thereto a peripheral devicesuch as another controller, and/or connecting thereto a wiredcommunication connector, without using the wireless communication module18. The external memory card connector 21 is a connector for connectingthereto an external storage media such as a memory card. For example,the input/output processor 11 a accesses an external storage mediathrough the extension connector 20 or the external memory card connector21 so as to store data or read data.

The game apparatus body 3 includes a power button 24, a reset button 25,and an eject button 26. The power button 24 and the reset button 25 areconnected to the system LSI 11. When the power button 24 is on, power issupplied to the respective components of the game apparatus body 3through an AC adaptor not shown. Further, when the power button 24 whichis on is pressed, mode shifts to low-power standby mode. Also in thisstate, current flows through the game apparatus body 3, and thereforethe game apparatus body 3 continues to be connected to a network such asthe Internet. When the power needs to be switched from on to off, thepower button 24 is pressed for a predetermined time period or longer, sothat the power is switched off. When the reset button 25 is pressed, thesystem LSI 11 reboots a boot program of the game apparatus body 3. Theeject button 26 is connected to the disk drive 14. When the eject button26 is pressed, the optical disc 4 is ejected from the disk drive 14.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the controller 7 will bedescribed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the controller 7 asviewed from the top rear side thereof. FIG. 4 is a perspective viewillustrating the controller 7 as viewed from the bottom front sidethereof.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the controller 7 has a housing 71 and anoperation section 72 including a plurality of operation buttons providedon the surface of the housing 71. In the present embodiment, the housing71 has a generally parallelepiped shape extending in a longitudinaldirection from front to rear, and the overall size of the housing 71 hassuch a size as to be held by one hand of an adult or even a child, andthe housing 71 is formed by, for example, plastic molding.

At the center of a front part of a top surface of the housing 71, across key 72 a is provided. The cross key 72 a is a cross-shapedfour-direction push switch, and includes operation portionscorresponding to the four directions (front, rear, right and left),which are respectively located on cross-shaped projecting portionsarranged at intervals of 90 degrees. The player selects one of thefront, rear, right and left directions by pressing one of the operationportions of the cross key 72 a. Through an operation on the cross key 72a, the player can, for example, indicate a direction in which a playercharacter or the like appearing in a virtual game world is to move orindicates an option selected from a plurality of options.

Although the cross key 72 a is an operation section for outputting anoperation signal in accordance with the aforementioned direction inputoperation performed by a player, such an operation section may beprovided in another form. For example, an operation section whichincludes four push switches so as to form a cross, and outputs anoperation signal in accordance with a push switch pressed by a playermay be provided. Further, an operation section including not only thefour push switches but also a center switch provided at the center ofthe cross may be provided. Alternatively, the cross key 72 a may bereplaced with an operation section which includes an inclinable stick(so-called joystick) projecting from the top surface of the housing 71and outputs an operation signal in accordance with the incliningdirection of the stick. Still alternatively, the cross key 72 a may bereplaced with an operation section which includes a disc-shaped memberhorizontally slidable and outputs an operation signal in accordance withthe sliding direction of the disc-shaped member. Still alternatively,the cross key 72 a may be replaced with a touch pad.

Behind the cross key 72 a on the top surface of the housing 71, aplurality of operation buttons 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, 72 e, 72 f and 72 g areprovided. The operation buttons 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, 72 e, 72 f and 72 gare each an operation section for outputting a respective operationsignal assigned to the operation buttons 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, 72 e, 72 f or72 g when a player presses a head thereof. The operation buttons 72 b,72 c, and 72 d are assigned with functions of a first button, a secondbutton, and an A button, for example. Further, the operation buttons 72e, 72 f and 72 g are assigned with functions of a minus button, a homebutton and a plus button, for example. The operation buttons 72 a, 72 b,72 c, 72 d, 72 e, 72 f and 72 g are assigned with respective operationfunctions in accordance with the game program executed by the gameapparatus body 3. In an exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 3, theoperation buttons 72 b, 72 c and 72 d are arranged in a line at thecenter in the front-rear direction on the top surface of the housing 71.The operation buttons 72 e, 72 f and 72 g are arranged in a line in theleft-right direction between the operation buttons 72 b and 72 d on thetop surface of the housing 71. The operation button 72 f has a topsurface thereof buried in the top surface of the housing 71, so as notto be inadvertently pressed by the player.

In front of the cross key 72 a on the top surface of the housing 71, anoperation button 72 h is provided. The operation button 72 h is a powerswitch for remote-controlling the power of the game apparatus body 3 tobe on or off. The operation button 72 h also has a top surface thereofburied in the top surface of the housing 71, so as not to beinadvertently pressed by the player.

Behind the operation button 72 c on the top surface of the housing 71, aplurality of LEDs 702 are provided. The controller 7 is assigned acontroller type (number) so as to be distinguishable from the othercontrollers 7. For example, the LEDs 702 are used for informing a playerof the controller type which is currently set to controller 7 that he orshe is using. Specifically, when the controller 7 transmits thetransmission data to the receiving unit 6, one of the plurality of LEDs702 corresponding to the controller type is lit up.

On the top surface of the housing 71, a sound hole for externallyoutputting a sound from a speaker (speaker 706 shown in FIG. 5), whichwill be described below, is provided between the operation buttons 72 e,72 f, and 72 g and the operation button 72 b.

On a bottom surface of the housing 71, a recessed portion is formed. Asdescribed later in detail, the recessed portion provided on the bottomsurface of the housing 71 is formed at a position at which an indexfinger or middle finger of the player is located when the player holdsthe controller 7 with one hand so as to face the front surface of thecontroller 7 to the markers 8L and 8R. On a slope surface of therecessed portion, an operation button 72 i is provided. The operationbutton 72 i is an operation section acting as, for example, a B button.

On a front surface of the housing 71, an image pickup element 743included in the imaging information calculation section 74 is provided.The imaging information calculation section 74 is a system for analyzingimage data taken by the controller 7 and detecting for the centroid, thesize and the like of an area having a high brightness in the image data,and the imaging information calculation section 74 has, for example, amaximum sampling period of about 200 frames/sec., and therefore cantrace and analyze even a relatively fast motion of the controller 7. Thestructure of the imaging information calculation section 74 will bedescribed later in detail. On a rear surface of the housing 70, theconnector 73 is provided. The connector 73 is, for example, an edgeconnector, and is used for, for example, engaging and connecting with aconnecting cable.

Here, for making the below description specific, a coordinate system isdefined for the controller 7. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an x-axis, ay-axis and a z-axis, which are orthogonal to each other, are defined forthe controller 7. Specifically, the longitudinal direction of thehousing 71 corresponding to the front/rear direction of the controller 7is defined as the z-axis direction, and a direction toward the frontsurface (the surface on which the imaging information calculationsection 74 is mounted) of the controller 7 is defined as a z-axispositive direction. The up/down direction of the controller 7 is definedas the y-axis direction, and a direction toward the top surface (thesurface on which the operation button 72 a and the like are provided) ofthe housing 71 is defined as a y-axis positive direction. The left/rightdirection of the controller 7 is defined as the x-axis direction, and adirection toward the left side surface (the side surface which is notshown in FIG. 3 but shown in FIG. 4) of the housing 71 is defined as anx-axis positive direction.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an internal structure of the controller7 will be described. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating, asviewed from the rear surface side of the controller 7, a state where anupper housing (a part of the housing 71) of the controller 7 is removed.FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating, as viewed from the frontsurface side of the controller 7, a state where a lower housing (a partof the housing 71) of the controller 7 is removed. FIG. 6 is aperspective view illustrating a reverse side of a substrate 700 shown inFIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, the substrate 700 is fixed inside the housing 71,and on a top main surface of the substrate 700, the operation buttons 72a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, 72 e, 72 f, 72 g and 72 h, an acceleration sensor701, the LEDs 702, an antenna 754 and the like are provided. Theseelements are connected to a microcomputer 751 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) andthe like via lines (not shown) formed on the substrate 700 and the like.The microcomputer 751 functions as exemplary button data generationmeans of the present invention so as to generate operation button datain accordance with a type of the operation button 72 a or the like. Thismechanism is widely known, and, for example, is realized by themicrocomputer 751 detecting for line contact or line disconnection,which is performed by using a switch mechanism such as a tact switchprovided under a key top. More specifically, for example, when theoperation button is pressed, a current flows by the line contact, andthe microcomputer 751 detects for an operation button connected to aline through which the current flows, and generates a signal inaccordance with the type of the operation button.

Further, the wireless module 753 not shown (see FIG. 7) and the antenna754 allow the controller 7 to act as a wireless controller. The quartzoscillator not shown, which is provided in the housing 71, generates areference clock of the microcomputer 751 described later. On the topmain surface of the substrate 700, the speaker 706 and an amplifier 708are provided. The acceleration sensor 701 is provided on the substrate700 to the left of the operation button 72 d (that is, near the edge ofthe substrate 700 offset from the center thereof). Therefore, theacceleration sensor 701 can detect for a change of a direction of thegravitational acceleration and an acceleration containing a centrifugalforce component, based on a rotation of the controller 7 about thelongitudinal direction thereof, so that the game apparatus body 3 uses apredetermined calculation to determine the rotation of the controller 7with favorable accuracy based on the acceleration data having beendetected.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, at a front edge of a bottom mainsurface of the substrate 700, the imaging information calculationsection 74 is provided. The imaging information calculation section 74includes an infrared filter 741, a lens 742, the image pickup element743 and an image processing circuit 744 located in order, respectively,from the front surface of the controller 7 on the bottom main surface ofthe substrate 700. At a rear edge of the bottom main surface of thesubstrate 700, the connector 73 is attached. Further, a sound IC 707 andthe microcomputer 751 are provided on the bottom main surface of thesubstrate 700. The sound IC 707, which is connected to the microcomputer751 and the amplifier 708 via lines formed on the substrate 700 and thelike, outputs a sound signal to the speaker 706 via the amplifier 708based on the sound data transmitted from the game apparatus body 3.

On the bottom main surface of the substrate 700, a vibrator 704 isprovided. The vibrator 704 is, for example, a vibration motor or asolenoid. The vibrator 704 is connected to the microcomputer 751 vialines formed on the substrate 700 or the like such that the operation ofthe vibrator 704 is on or off in accordance with vibration datatransmitted from the game apparatus body 3. The controller 7 is vibratedby an actuation of the vibrator 704, and the vibration is conveyed tothe player's hand holding the controller 7, and thus a so-calledvibration-feedback game is realized. The vibrator 704 is disposedslightly toward the front of the housing 71, thereby allowing thehousing 71 held by the player to strongly vibrate, that is, allowing theplayer to easily feel the vibration.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an internal structure of the controller7 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating thestructure of the controller 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, the controller 7 includes a communication section 75in addition to the operation section 72, the imaging informationcalculation section 74, the acceleration sensor 701, the vibrator 704,the speaker 706, the sound IC 707, and the amplifier 708 as describedabove.

The imaging information calculation section 74 includes the infraredfilter 741, the lens 742, the image pickup element 743 and the imageprocessing circuit 744. The infrared filter 741 allows only infraredlight to pass therethrough, among light incident on the front surface ofthe controller 7. The lens 742 collects the infrared light which haspassed through the infrared filter 741 and outputs the infrared light tothe image pickup element 743. The image pickup element 743 is asolid-state imaging device such as, for example, a CMOS sensor or a CCD,and takes an image of the infrared light collected by the lens 742.Accordingly, the image pickup element 743 takes an image of only theinfrared light which has passed through the infrared filter 741 andgenerates image data. The image data generated by the image pickupelement 743 is processed by the image processing circuit 744.Specifically, the image processing circuit 744 processes the image dataobtained from the image pickup element 743, identifies a spot thereofhaving a high brightness, and outputs process result data representingposition coordinates and the size of the identified spot to thecommunication section 75. The imaging information calculation section 74is fixed to the housing 71 of the controller 7 and the imaging directionof the imaging information calculation section 74 can be changed bychanging the direction of the housing 71. As described later in detail,a signal can be obtained in accordance with the position and the motionof the controller 7 based on the process result data outputted by theimaging information calculation section 74.

The controller 7 preferably includes a three-axis (x, y, and z-axes)acceleration sensor 701. The three axis acceleration sensor 701 detectsfor a linear acceleration in three directions, i.e., the up/downdirection, the left/right direction, and the forward/backward direction.Alternatively, a two axis acceleration detection means which detects foronly a linear acceleration along each of the up/down and left/rightdirections (or other pair of directions) may be used in anotherembodiment depending on the type of control signals used in the gameprocess. For example, the three axis or the two axis acceleration sensor701 may be of the type available from Analog Devices, Inc. orSTMicroelectronics N.V. Preferably, the acceleration sensor 701 is of anelectrostatic capacitance (capacitance-coupling) type that is based onsilicon micro-machined MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems)technology. However, any acceleration detection means (e.g.,piezoelectric type or piezoresistance type) now existing or any othersuitable technology later developed may be used to provide the threeaxis or two axis acceleration sensor 701.

As one skilled in the art understands, the acceleration detection means,as used in the acceleration sensor 701, are capable of detecting foronly acceleration (linear acceleration) along a straight linecorresponding to each axis of the acceleration sensor. In other words, adirect output of the acceleration sensor 701 is limited to signalsindicative of linear acceleration (static or dynamic) along each of thetwo or three axes thereof. As a result, the acceleration sensor 701cannot directly detect movement along a non-linear (e.g. arcuate) path,rotation, rotational movement, angular displacement, tilt, position,attitude or any other physical characteristic.

However, when a computer such as a processor (for example, the CPU 10)of the game apparatus or a processor (for example, the microcomputer751) of the controller processes acceleration signals outputted from theacceleration sensor 701, additional information relating to thecontroller 7 can be inferred or calculated (determined), as one skilledin the art will readily understand from the description herein. Forexample, a case where it is anticipated that the computer will processthe acceleration signals outputted from the acceleration sensor of thecontroller which is in a static state (that is, a case where it isanticipated that an acceleration detected by the acceleration sensorwill include only a gravitational acceleration) will be described. Whenthe controller is actually in the static state, it is possible todetermine whether or not the controller tilts relative to the gravitydirection and to also determine a degree of the tilt, based on theacceleration having been detected. Specifically, when a state where 1G(gravitational acceleration) is applied to a detection axis of theacceleration sensor in the vertically downward direction represents areference, it is possible to determine whether or not the controllertilts relative to the vertically downward direction, based on onlywhether or not 1G is applied in the direction of the detection axis ofthe acceleration sensor. Further, it is possible to determine a degreeto which the controller tilts relative to the vertically downwarddirection, based on a magnitude of the acceleration applied in thedirection of the detection axis. Further, the acceleration sensorcapable of detecting an acceleration in multiaxial directions subjects,to a processing, the acceleration signals having been detected in therespective axes so as to more specifically determine the degree to whichthe controller tilts relative to the gravity direction. In this case,although the processor may calculate, based on the output from theacceleration sensor 701, data representing an angle at which thecontroller 7 tilts, an approximate degree to which the controller 7tilts may be inferred based on the output from the acceleration sensor701 without calculating the data representing the angle of the tilt.Thus, when the acceleration sensor 701 is used in combination with theprocessor, the tilt, attitude, or position of the controller 7 can bedetermined. On the other hand, in a case where it is anticipated thatthe acceleration sensor will be in a dynamic state, an accelerationbased on a movement of the acceleration sensor is detected, in additionto the gravitational acceleration component. Therefore, when thegravitational acceleration component is eliminated through apredetermined process, it is possible to determine, for example, adirection in which the controller moves. Specifically, when thecontroller 7 including the acceleration sensor 701 is dynamicallyaccelerated and moved with a hand of a user, it is possible to calculatevarious movements and/or positions of the controller 7 by processing theacceleration signals generated by the acceleration sensor 701. Even whenit is anticipated that the acceleration sensor will be in the dynamicstate, the acceleration based on the movement of the acceleration sensoris eliminated through a predetermined process, whereby it is possible todetermine the tilt of the controller relative to the gravity direction.In another embodiment, the acceleration sensor 701 may include anembedded signal processor or another type of dedicated processor forperforming any desired processing of the acceleration signals outputtedby an embedded acceleration detection means prior to outputting signalsto the microcomputer 751. For example, when the acceleration sensor isintended to detect static acceleration (for example, gravitationalacceleration), the embedded or dedicated processor could convert thedetected acceleration signal to a corresponding tilt angle (or anotherpreferable parameter).

In another exemplary embodiment, a gyro-sensor incorporating, forexample, a rotating or vibrating element may be used for a movementsensor for detecting for a movement of the controller 7. Exemplary MEMSgyro-sensors that may be used in this embodiment are available fromAnalog Devices, Inc. Unlike the acceleration sensor 701, a gyro-sensoris capable of directly detecting rotation (or angular rate) around atleast one axis defined by the gyroscopic element therein. Thus, due tothe fundamental differences between a gyro-sensor and an accelerationsensor, corresponding changes need to be made to the processingoperations that are performed on the output signals from these devicesdepending on which device is selected for a particular application.

More specifically, when the tilt or attitude is calculated using agyro-sensor instead of the acceleration sensor, significant changes arenecessary. Specifically, when using a gyro-sensor, the value of the tiltis initialized at the start of the detection. Then, data on the angularrate which is output from the gyro-sensor is integrated. Next, a changeamount in tilt from the value of the tilt initialized is calculated. Inthis case, the calculated tilt corresponds to a value represented by anangle. In contrast, when the acceleration sensor calculates the tilt,the tilt is calculated by comparing the value of the gravitationalacceleration of each axial component with a predetermined reference, andtherefore the calculated tilt can be represented as a vector, and anabsolute direction can be determined with an acceleration detectionmeans without initialization. The type of the value calculated as thetilt is also very different between a gyro sensor and an accelerationsensor; i.e., the value is an angle when a gyro sensor is used and is avector when an acceleration sensor is used. Therefore, when a gyrosensor is used instead of an acceleration sensor or vice versa, data ontilt also needs to be processed through a predetermined conversiontaking into account the fundamental differences between these twodevices. Due to the fact that the nature of the gyro sensor is known toone skilled in the art, as well as the fundamental differences betweenthe acceleration detection means and the gyro sensor, further detailsare not provided herein. While a gyro-sensor is advantageous in that arotation can be directly detected, an acceleration sensor is generallymore cost effective when used in connection with the controllerdescribed herein.

The communication section 75 includes the microcomputer 751, a memory752, the wireless module 753 and the antenna 754. The microcomputer 751controls the wireless module 753 for wirelessly transmitting thetransmission data while using the memory 752 as a storage area duringthe process. Further, the microcomputer 751 controls operations of thesound IC 707 and the vibrator 704 based on data having been receivedfrom the game apparatus body 3 by the wireless module 753 via theantenna 754. The sound IC 707 processes sound data transmitted from thegame apparatus body 3 via the communication section 75, and the like.The microcomputer 751 actuates the vibrator 704 in accordance with, forexample, vibration data (for example, a signal for powering the vibrator704 ON or OFF) transmitted from the game apparatus body 3 through thecommunication section 75.

Data from the controller 7 including an operation signal (key data) fromthe operation section 72, acceleration signals (x, y, and z-axisdirection acceleration data: hereinafter, simply referred to asacceleration data) from the acceleration sensor 701, and the processresult data from the imaging information calculation section 74 areoutputted to the microcomputer 751. The microcomputer 751 temporarilystores the input data (key data, acceleration data, and process resultdata) in the memory 752 as the transmission data which is to betransmitted to the communication unit 6. The wireless transmission fromthe communication section 75 to the communication unit 6 is performed atregular time intervals, and game process is generally performed at acycle of 1/60 sec., and therefore the wireless transmission needs to beperformed at a cycle of a shorter time period. Specifically, the gameprocess unit is 16.7 ms ( 1/60 sec.), and the transmission interval ofthe communication section 75 structured using the Bluetooth (registeredtrademark) is, for example, 5 ms. At a timing of the transmission to thecommunication unit 6, the microcomputer 751 outputs the transmissiondata stored in the memory 752 as a series of operation information tothe wireless module 753. The wireless module 753 uses, for example, theBluetooth (registered trademark) technology to modulate the operationinformation onto a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency, andradiates the radio wave signal from the antenna 754. Thus, data from thecontroller 7 including the key data from the operation section 72, theacceleration data from the acceleration sensor 701, and the processresult data from the imaging information calculation section 74 aremodulated onto the radio wave signal by the wireless module 753 andtransmitted from the controller 7. The communication unit 6 of the gameapparatus body 3 receives the radio wave signal, and the game apparatusbody 3 demodulates or decodes the radio wave signal to obtain the seriesof operation information (the key data, the acceleration data, and theprocess result data). Based on the obtained operation information andthe game program, the CPU 10 of the game apparatus body 3 performs thegame process. In the case where the communication section 75 isstructured using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, thecommunication section 75 can have a function of receiving transmissiondata which is wirelessly transmitted from another device.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 16, an outline of the gameprocess performed for the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 8to 16 each shows an exemplary game screen used for the presentembodiment. A game used for the present embodiment is an actionadventure game. In this game, a player controls a player character in athree-dimensional virtual space, and plays the game in accordance with apredetermined story/scenario which has been previously set by a gamedeveloper. Further, multiple “puzzles (tricks)” are set at somelocations in the virtual space. A player solves the multiple “puzzles”so as to continue the game.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a title menu of this game. As the titlemenu shown in FIG. 8, three options, “game”, “digest”, and “scene menu”are displayed. The “game” is an option for playing the game in a normalmanner. The “digest” is an option for presenting a digest of a maincontent (storyline, flow of scenario) of the game from the beginningthrough the end. Further, this game is divided, in advance, into“scenes” based on the flow of the scenario. The “scene menu” is anoption for allowing selection of a predetermined “scene” so as to startthe game play from the selected scene. A player is allowed to select adesired one from the three options.

An outline of a process performed when the “game” is selected from thetitle menu will be described. When a player selects the “game” from thetitle menu, a start menu as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. Two options,“start” and “load”, are displayed in this menu. When a player selects“start”, the game is played from the beginning. On the other hand, whena player selects “load”, user saved-data described below is read so asto play the game from a location immediately following a location atwhich the game has been previously stopped.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary game screen displayed when the game isstarted by selecting one of “start” or “load”. In FIG. 10, athree-dimensional virtual game space is displayed on the television 2,and a player character 101 is also displayed therein. Further, a hintbutton 102 is displayed on the upper right portion of the screen. Aplayer controls a player character 101 on the screen by using thecontroller 7 so as to play the game.

While a player is playing the game, the player encounters the “puzzle”set in the game as described above. FIG. 11 shows an exemplary scene inwhich the “puzzle” is set. In FIG. 11, how to open a door 103 is set asthe “puzzle”. Specifically, the player needs to solve the “puzzle” insome manner so as to open the door 103 and continue the game. Here, inorder to respond to the “puzzle”, that is, in order to open the door103, it is necessary to press a switch provided at a predeterminedposition on a floor.

In the scene shown in FIG. 11, when a player cannot find how to open thedoor 103, a player may press the hint button 102. In this case, as shownin FIG. 12, a relatively small window 104 is displayed in a portion ofthe upper right area of the screen so as to reproduce moving images(hereinafter, referred to as an approach movie) indicating how to openthe door 103. In FIG. 12, an approach movie representing a state wherethe player character 101 moves onto a switch 105 provided on the floorfor opening the door 103, and stands on the switch 105 (that is, pressesthe switch 105) is reproduced. By viewing the approach movie, the playercan know how to open the door 103. Therefore, the player moves theplayer character 101 to the switch 105 provided on the floor, and causesthe player character 101 to stand thereon, as indicated by the approachmovie, so as to open the door 103, thereby continuing the game.

As described above, when, for example, a player cannot find how to solvethe puzzle, and therefore does not continue the game, the player isallowed to press the hint button, so that the approach movie indicating,for example, how to solve the puzzle for the scene is reproduced. Thus,the player may play the game to the end without becoming stuck with thegame, and the player may clear the game. Further, the approach movieindicates, as an actual example, how to solve the puzzle, or the like(that is, how to solve the puzzle is demonstrated), and therefore theplayer may understand how to solve the puzzle, or the like, more easilyas compared to a case where a hint or the like is indicated by usingcharacter information only. Further, the player may enjoy the presentedapproach information as it is. Further, only when the hint button ispressed, how to solve the puzzle is indicated, and therefore a playerwho desires to solve the puzzle by him/herself may not reduce his/herinterest in the game as compared to a case where a hint or the like forindicating how to solve the puzzle is displayed regardless of the user'sintention.

Next, an outline of a process performed when the “digest” is selectedfrom the title menu shown in FIG. 8 will be described. When the “digest”is selected, a digest movie, which has been previously set, isreproduced. FIG. 13 shows an exemplary game screen displayed when the“digest” is selected. In FIG. 13, a digest movie is displayed in a moviearea 110, and a scene name 111 representing a current scene is displayedbelow the movie area 110. The digest movie includes, for example, a“played moving image” representing a recorded image of a game screenobtained by a game developer having actually played the game, an “eventmovie” which is inserted in the game as necessary, and the like. Forexample, the game is played in accordance with a scenario having astoryline representing the order of “forest”→“cave”→“tower”→“temple”. Inthis case, the content of the digest movie is reproduced as a digestsuch that the game starts with a scene of “forest” and advances to“cave”→“tower”→“temple”. A player is allowed to know a main game storyand scenario, and a game plot by viewing the digest movie.

Further, in a case where a player presses a predetermined button, forexample, the operation button 72 d while the digest movie is beingreproduced, the player is allowed to play the game from the scene beingreproduced at this time. For example, it is assumed that, when fifteenminutes has passed from the start of the reproduction of the digestmovie, a played moving image for “temple” corresponding to one of stagesof the game is being reproduced. At this time, when a player presses theoperation button 72 d, an inquiry message 112 for inquiring whether ornot the game is to be played from this scene is displayed as shown inFIG. 14. When a player responds positively to the message, the saveddata (hereinafter, referred to as digest saved-data) for digest, whichhas been previously set, is read. As described below, the digestsaved-data are saved data which is previously set so as to correspond tothe scenes, respectively, in the game. In a case shown in FIG. 14, basedon the assumption that the game has been played up to the momentimmediately before the temple, the saved data having been previously setis read. Therefore, a level and various statuses (parameter such as HP)of the player character are advanced to some degree as compared to thoseprovided when the game is started. Further, items which may belong tothe player character when the game has been normally played and advancedto the temple are set as items belonging to the player character.Specifically, saved data to be used when attacking against the temple isready is read. It is possible to start the game from the scene of“temple” by reading the digest saved-data described above. However, inthis game, data of the game which is started in this manner is notsaved. That is, only the data of the game obtained by a user performingattacking by him/herself are stored, so that a user who performsattacking by him/herself may not reduce his/her interest in the game.Hereinafter, a game play in which the game is started, while the digestmovie is being reproduced, in a state where no data of the game issaved, is referred to as a game played in a “digest mode”. However, datamay be saved in the digest mode when it is unnecessary to consider thatthe interest in the game is maintained.

A difference between the user saved-data and the digest saved-data willbe described. The user saved-data can be “loaded” when the “game” isselected from the title menu, and the user saved-data is generated andstored when a player issues an instruction for the saving while playingthe game. On the other hand, the digest saved-data is different from theuser saved-data in that the digest saved-data is previously set based onthe game storyline as described above, and is stored as a part of thegame program in the game disc 4. As described above, the saving is notallowed in the digest mode, whereas the user saved-data to be stored isobtained only when a user plays the game from the beginning, andperforms attacking by him/herself.

As described above, a player is allowed to know the outline of the gamecontent by viewing the digest movie. Further, when a player desires toplay the game from a certain scene of the digest movie being reproduced,the player is allowed to start the game from the scene. Therefore, aplayer can not only know the entire outline of the game content but alsoplay the game from a scene desired by the player, so that the player canmore easily enjoy the game. As described above, saving is not allowed inthe “digest mode” during the game play, and therefore it is possible toprevent a player who desires to clear the game by him/herself, or aplayer who desires to thoroughly play the game from reducing his/herinterest in the game. That is, a player who desires to easily play thegame or a player who dose not have a lot of time for the game is allowedto easily enjoy the game by selecting the “digest” (or “scene menu”described below). On the other hand, a player who desires to enjoy thegame as much as possible is allowed to thoroughly enjoy, by selectingthe “game”, the game including, for example, a trick event, and asub-story (elements other than the main game story) which are notprovided in the “digest”. Further, data of the game obtained by his/herown attacking can be stored as saved data.

Next, an outline of a process performed when the “scene menu” isselected from the title menu shown in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 15shows an exemplary screen displayed when the “scene menu” is selected.In FIG. 15, a list 151 indicating scene names is displayed on almost aleft half of the screen (the list 151 can be scrolled because all thescene names cannot be simultaneously displayed). As described above, the“scene” is obtained by dividing the scenario of this game. For example,the scenario of this game includes a scene of “cave”, and the “cave”includes a first aboveground level, a first underground level, and asecond underground level. In this case, the game may be divided into“scene 1” representing a scene in which the first aboveground level isattacked and the first underground level is just reached, “scene 2”representing a scene in which the first underground level is attacked,and the second underground level is just reached, “scene 3” representinga scene in which the second underground level is attacked and a locationimmediately preceding a deepest portion, of the cave, occupied by a bosscharacter is just reached, and “scene 4” representing a scene of a fightagainst the boss character.

Further, the digest saved-data correspond to the scenes, respectively.Furthermore, the corresponding digest saved-data is reproduced from theopening portion of each scene. In the example of the cave, the digestsaved-data corresponding to “scene 1” is saved data which is reproducedfrom the entrance to the cave. Further, the digest saved-datacorresponding to “scene 2” is saved data which is reproduced from thearrival at the first underground level of the cave. The digestsaved-data corresponding to “scene 3” is saved data which is reproducedfrom the arrival at the second underground level of the cave, and thedigest saved-data corresponding to “scene 4” is saved data which isreproduced from a location immediately preceding a location occupied bythe boss character. A player is allowed to start the game from theopening portion of a desired scene in the game by loading the digestsaved-data.

In FIG. 15, when a desired scene name is designated by a cursor, amoving image 152 representing a content of the scene is reproduced tothe right of the scene names. The content of the moving image 152represents a part of the scene designated by the cursor. When a playerselects a desired scene and inputs (for example, presses the operationbutton 72 d) an instruction for the game start, an inquiry message 161,as shown in FIG. 16, inquiring whether or not the game is to be playedfrom the selected scene is displayed. When the player respondspositively to the message, the digest saved-data corresponding to theselected scene is loaded, and the game can be started in the digest modefrom the opening portion of the scene. As described above, the digestsaved-data is set based on an assumption that the game has been playedup to the scene, and the level of and the items belonging to the playercharacter are set based on each scene. Therefore, a player can play thegame without feeling unnatural and becoming stuck with the game ascompared to a case where a game is played by using a player character inan initial state (a state immediately after the game is started).

Next, a game process performed by the game apparatus body 3 will bedescribed in detail. Firstly, data to be stored in the external mainmemory 12 for the game process will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagramillustrating a memory map of the external main memory 12 of the gameapparatus body 3. In FIG. 17, the external main memory 12 includes aprogram storage area 121, a data storage area 124, and a work area 132.Data of the program storage area 121 and the data storage area 124 arestored in the optical disc 16, and is transmitted to and stored in theexternal main memory 12 when the game program is executed. For theconvenience of the description, each data is described as a form oftable data. However, the data need not to be stored in a form of tabledata in practice, and a process of contents represented by the table maybe stored.

The program storage area 121 stores a game program to be executed by theCPU 10, and the game program includes a game main program 122, a moviereproduction program 123, and the like. The game main program 122 is aprogram for a process of a flow chart which is shown below in FIG. 25.The movie reproduction program 123 is a program for decoding andreproducing data representing, for example, a moving image and a soundhaving been compressed and encoded. The movie reproduction program 123is used for reproducing a moving image file such as the approach movieand the digest movie described above.

The data storage area 124 stores data such as game main data 125, apuzzle table 126, an approach movie 127, a digest movie 128, a digestmovie correspondence table 129, digest saved-data 130, and a scene table131.

The game main data 125 represents data necessary for the game processperformed when the “game” is selected from the title menu shown in FIG.8. For example, the game main data 125 includes data (position data,various parameters, and the like) associated with the player character101, an opponent character, and the like, appearing in the game, data(topography data and the like) associated with a virtual game space,image data, audio data, and the like.

The puzzle table 126 is data representing correspondences amonglocations at which the “puzzles” are set in the game, contents of the“puzzles”, and the approach movies which represent the “puzzles” andindicate how to solve the “puzzles”, respectively. FIG. 18 is a diagramillustrating an exemplary data structure of the puzzle table 126. Thepuzzle table 126 includes a location 1261, a puzzle number 1265, apuzzle content 1266, an approach movie name 1267, and a scene number1268.

The location 1261 represents data indicating a location (area), in thevirtual game space, at which a puzzle is set. The location 1261 furtherincludes an area name 1262, a base point name 1263, and a specificlocation name 1264. In the example shown in FIG. 18, a puzzle 1 is setat a house of a village head (the specific location name 1264) of ◯◯village (the base point name 1263) in ◯◯ area (the area name 1262). Thepuzzle number 1265 is a number for identifying each “puzzle”, and thepuzzle content 1266 is data representing a specific content of each“puzzle”. For example, the content, such as a content that apredetermined switch needs to be pressed so as to open a door, and acontent that a predetermined enemy needs to be eliminated so as totransfer to another world, are defined in the puzzle content 1266. Theapproach movie name 1267 represents a name of the approach moviecorresponding to each “puzzle”. The scene number 1268 is a number foridentifying a scene in which each “puzzle” is set. The scene number 1268corresponds to a scene number 1311 of the scene table 131 describedbelow.

Returning to FIG. 17, the approach movie 127 represents the approachmovie described above. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an exemplarydata structure of the approach movie 127. An approach movie name 1271represents a name for identifying each approach movie, and correspondsto the approach movie name 1267 of the puzzle table 126. A movie content1272 represents a specific movie content. For example, the movie content1272 represents video/audio data which are compressed and encoded basedon a predetermined standard such as MPEG-2.

Returning to FIG. 17, the digest movie 128 is a movie reproduced whenthe “digest” is selected from the title menu shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 20 isa diagram conceptually illustrating an exemplary structure of the digestmovie. The time shown in FIG. 20 is represented by “hour:minute:second”.The digest movie shown in FIG. 20 indicates that a video into which acourse from the start of the game to arrival at ◯◯ village is digestedis reproduced from the start of the reproduction to 0:01:00. Further, itis indicated that a video representing a state where puzzle 1 is solvedin ◯◯ village is reproduced from 0:01:00 to 0:02:00. A video (eventmovie) representing an event which happens in ◯◯ village is reproducedfrom 0:02:00 to 0:03:30. The order in which the scenes of the game arereproduced is based on a flow of the story/scenario which is previouslyset by a developer.

Returning to FIG. 17, the digest movie correspondence table 129 is atable for defining correspondence between a portion, of a video of thedigest movie, to be reproduced, and the digest saved-data 130 describedbelow. Specifically, the digest movie correspondence table 129 is atable in which the digest saved-data 130 to be read in response to theinstruction for start being issued during reproduction of the digestmovie are defined so as to correspond to the scenes, respectively, ofthe digest movie. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary datastructure of the digest movie correspondence table 129. The digest moviecorrespondence table 129 includes a reproduction from-time 1291 and areproduction to-time 1292, and a digest saved-data name 1293.

The reproduction from-time 1291 and the reproduction to-time 1292 aredata indicating a time range representing an elapsed time from the startof the reproduction of the digest movie. For example, when thereproduction from-time 1291 represents “0:01:00” and the reproductionto-time 1292 represents “0:02:00”, the time range is a range from a timeat which one minute has passed from the start of the reproduction of thedigest movie to a time immediately preceding a time at which two minutespasses from the start of the reproduction of the digest movie. Thedigest saved-data name 1293 represents data used for designating thedigest saved-data to be read when an instruction for game play is issuedin a time range from the reproduction from-time 1291 to the reproductionto-time 1292. Although in the present embodiment the range of the digestmovie is defined by using the elapsed time from the start of thereproduction, the present invention is not limited thereto. The rangemay be defined by using a frame number of the reproduced moving image.

Returning to FIG. 17, the digest saved-data 130 represents saved datawhich is previously set in accordance with the flow of the game. FIG. 22is a diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of the digestsaved-data 130. The digest saved-data name 1301 is a name for uniquelyidentifying each digest saved-data, and corresponds to the digestsaved-data name 1293 of the digest movie correspondence table 129. Thedata content 1302 represent a specific content of the saved data. Thedata content 1302 includes data representing a level of the playercharacter, items belonging to the player character, a current locationthereof in the virtual game space, an event scene having been cleared,and the like, based on each scene.

Returning to FIG. 17, the scene table 131 represents a table fordefining each scene in the game. The scene table 131 represents datamainly used in the “scene menu” screen as shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 23 is adiagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of the scene table 131.The scene table 131 is a collection of a scene number 1311, a startpoint 1312, an end point 1313, digest saved-data name 1314, and anintroduction movie 1315. The scene number 1311 is a number foridentifying each scene. The start point 1312 and the end point 1313represent data indicating a range of each scene in the game (scenario).In the example shown in FIG. 23, a scene from the start of the game toclearing of puzzle 1 is defined as one scene (corresponding to scenenumber “001”). The digest saved-data name 1314 corresponds to the digestsaved-data name 1301 of the digest saved-data 130. The introductionmovie 1315 represents movie data (corresponding to a moving image 122shown in FIG. 15) for introducing a content of each scene. The openingportion of each scene is stored as the movie data.

Returning to FIG. 17, the work area 132 is an area for storing variousdata, flags and the like, which are temporarily used in the gameprocess. Specifically, progress information 133 and the like are storedin the work area 132. The progress information 133 represents dataassociated with the progress state of the game being currently played bya player, and includes a puzzle number 134, a scene number 135, and thelike. The puzzle number 134 represents data indicating whether or not a“puzzle” as described above is set at a location, in the virtual space,at which the player character is currently positioned, and in a scene,in the game, in which the player character currently appears, andindicating, when the “puzzle” is set, the location corresponding to the“puzzle”. The puzzle number 134 corresponds to the puzzle number 1265 ofthe puzzle table 126. Further, when the hint button 102 is pressed, thedata is referred to so as to retrieve the approach movie correspondingto the “puzzle”. The scene number 135 represents data corresponding tothe scene number 1311 of the scene table 131, and represents dataindicating a scene being currently played by a player. In addition tothe above data, the work area 132 stores various data, flags, and thelike which are temporarily used during the game process.

Next, data stored in the flash memory 17 will be described. FIG. 24 is adiagram illustrating a memory map of the flash memory 17 shown in FIG.2. As described above, the flash memory 17 is a non-volatile memory, andthe data described below are not eliminated but held even when the gameapparatus body 3 is powered off. In FIG. 24, the flash memory 17 storesuser saved-data 171 and the like. The data may be transferred to andstored in the external main memory 12 when the game program is executed.

The user saved-data 171 is data representing a progress state of a game.In the game process started by selecting the “game” from the title menu,the saved data is generated or updated by, for example, an instructionfor saving being issued from a player. The progress information 172included in the user saved-data 171 corresponds to the progressinformation 133, in the work area 132, stored as a part of the usersaved-data 171.

Next, the game process performed by the game apparatus body 3 will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 25 to 29. When the game apparatus body3 is powered on, the CPU 10 of the game apparatus body 3 executes a bootprogram stored in the ROM/RTC 13, so as to initialize the respectiveunits such as the main memory 33. The game program stored in the opticaldisc 4 is loaded to the main memory 33, and the CPU 10 starts theexecution of the game program. The flow chart shown in FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the game process performed after the process stepsdescribed above are completed.

In FIG. 25, when the execution of the game program is started, the titlemenu (refer to FIG. 8) is firstly displayed. Then, an input (selectionof a menu option) from a player is received (step S1). When the inputfrom the player is received, a selected option is then determined.Initially, whether or not the “game” is selected is determined (stepS2). When a result of the determination indicates that the “game” isselected (YES in step S2), a game main process (step S3) is performed asdescribed below.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the “game” is not selected(NO in step S2), whether or not the “digest” is selected is thendetermined (step S4). When a result of the determination indicates thatthe “digest” is selected (YES in step S4), a digest process (step S5) isperformed as described below.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S4 that the “digest” isnot selected (NO in step S4), whether or not the “scene menu” isselected is then determined (step S6). When a result of thedetermination indicates that the “scene menu” is selected (YES in stepS6), a scene menu process (step S7) is performed as describe below.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the “scene menu” is notselected (NO in step S6) or when steps S3, S5, or S7 described above iscompleted, whether or not the game process is to be ended is determined(step S8). When the determination represents YES, the game processaccording to the present embodiment is ended, and when the determinationrepresents NO, the process is returned to step S1 and the game processis repeated.

Next, the game main process of step S3 will be descried in detail. FIG.26 is a flow chart showing in detail the game main process of step S3.As shown in FIG. 26, the start menu as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed, andan input from a player is received (step S11).

Next, whether or not a player selects the “load” from the start menu isdetermined (step S12). When a result of the determination indicates thatthe player selects the “load” (YES in step S12), predetermined usersaved-data is read in accordance with a player's operation (step S13).Thereafter, the game is started, and a game screen is displayed (stepS15).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S12 that the playerdoes not select the “load” (NO in step S12), whether or not the playerselects the “start” from the start menu is then determined (step S14). Aresult of the determination indicates that the player selects the“start” (YES in step S14), a process step of step S15 is performedwithout reading user saved-data. Specifically, the game is started froman initial state having been previously set, and the game screen isdisplayed. As a result, a game screen including the hint button 102 asshown in FIG. 10 is displayed. On the other hand, when it is determinedthat the player does not select the “start” (NO in step S14), theprocess is returned to step S11, and the process is repeated.

When the game is started, reception of an input (operation) from aplayer is started (step S16). When an input from a player is made,whether or not the content of the input represents an operation ofpressing the hint button 102 is determined (step S17). When a result ofthe determination indicates that the content of the input represents theoperation of pressing the hint button 102 (YES in step S17), an approachmovie reproduction process is performed as described below (step S20).On the other hand, when it is determined that the hint button 102 is notpressed (NO in step S17), whether or not the content of the input from aplayer represents an operation for saving a game is then determined(step S18). When a result of the determination indicates that thecontent of the input from the player represents the operation for savingthe game (Yes in step S18), a saving process is performed (step S19). Inthe saving process, a process for generating or updating the usersaved-data 171 is performed based on the progress information 133 andthe like. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S18 that thecontent of the input from the player does not represent the operationfor saving the game (NO in step S18), another game process is performedbased on the content of the input from the player (step S21). In thisprocess, a game process other than the approach movie reproductionprocess is performed, for example, various processes for the generalgame process, such as a process for moving the player character 101 or aprocess for causing the player character 101 to perform attacking, basedon the input from the player, are performed. At this time, the scenenumber 135 of the progress information 133 is updated as necessary so asto indicate a scene being currently played by a player. Further, whenthe player character 101 moves to a scene, in the virtual game space, inwhich the “puzzle” is set (whether or not the player character 101 hasmoved is determined based on the location 1261 and the scene number1268), the puzzle number 1265 corresponding to the puzzle is read fromthe puzzle table 126, and copied and set to the puzzle number 134 of theprogress information 133. Further, when the player character 101 leavesthe scene in which the “puzzle” is set, a NULL value is set to thepuzzle number 134. Thus, whether or not a player is currently trying tosolve the “puzzle” is determined based on whether or not “NULL” is setto the puzzle number 134 of the progress information 133. The othervarious game processes (processes for movement, fighting, conversation,and the like) are not directly relevant to the present invention, andthe description thereof is not given.

Next, the approach movie reproduction process of step S18 will bedescribed in detail with reference to a flow chart shown in FIG. 27. InFIG. 27, firstly, whether or not a scene in which the “puzzle” is set isdisplayed to a player is determined. Specifically, the puzzle number 134is read from the progress information 133 of the work area 132 (stepS31). Whether or not the puzzle number 134 indicates “NULL” isdetermined (step S32). When the result of the determination indicatesthat the puzzle number 134 indicates “NULL” (YES in step S32), that is,when the player character is not in the scene in which the “puzzle” isset, a process for indicating that no hint is provided is performed(step S33), and the approach movie process is ended. In anotherembodiment, the puzzle number is determined for each frame, and when thepuzzle number 134 indicates “NULL”, the hint button 102 may not bedisplayed.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S32 that the puzzlenumber 134 does not indicate “NULL” (NO in step S32), a player charactermay be in a scene in which a “puzzle” is set. Therefore, a process forretrieving the approach movie name 1267 from the puzzle table 126 basedon a value set to the puzzle number 134 is performed (step S34).Specifically, firstly, the puzzle table 126 is accessed so as toretrieve the puzzle number 1265 corresponding to the value of the puzzlenumber 134 of the progress information 133. The approach movie name 1267of the puzzle number 1265 having been retrieved is acquired.

Next, the movie content 1272 is read from the approach movie 127 basedon the approach movie name 1267 (step S35). Next, the window 104 (referto FIG. 12) for reproducing the approach movie is generated, and aprocess for reproducing the movie content 1272 is performed by using thewindow. That is, the approach movie is reproduced (step S36).

Subsequently, whether or not the reproduction of the movie content 1272is completed is determined (step S37). When a result of thedetermination indicates that the reproduction has not been completed (NOin step S37), the process is returned to step S36, and the process forreproducing the movie content 1272 is continued. When the reproductionof the movie content 1272 is completed (YES in step S37), the approachmovie reproduction process is ended.

Returning to FIG. 26, after the process step of step S20 or step S21 isperformed, whether or not the game main process is to be ended isdetermined (step S22). When the determination represents YES, the gamemain process is ended, and when the determination represents NO, theprocess is returned to step S15, and the process is repeated. This isthe end of the game main process.

Next, the digest process of step S5 will be described in detail withreference to a flow chart shown in FIG. 28. In FIG. 28, firstly, thedigest movie 128 is read from the external main memory 12 (step S41).

Next, a screen for digest as shown in FIG. 13 is generated, and theprocess for reproducing the digest movie is performed (step S42). Thereception of an input from a player is simultaneously started.

Next, whether or not a player presses a predetermined button, such asthe operation button 72 d, while the digest movie is being reproduced isdetermined (step S43). Hereinafter, the input is referred to as a digeststart instruction, and starting a game from halfway while the digestmovie is being reproduced is referred to as a digest start. When aresult of the determination indicates that the digest start instructionis not issued (NO in step S43), whether or not the reproduction of thedigest movie is completed is then determined (step S44). When thereproduction of the digest movie has not been completed (NO in stepS44), the process is returned to step S42, and the reproduction of thedigest movie is continued.

On the other hand, when the digest start instruction is issued (YES instep S43), an inquiry screen, as shown in FIG. 14, for inquiring whetheror not the digest start is to be made is then displayed, and the inputfrom the player is received (step S45). At this time, the reproductionof the digest movie is stopped. When the player makes an input inresponse to the screen, whether or not the input content indicates aninstruction for “digest start” (for example, whether or not “YES” isselected on the screen shown in FIG. 14) is determined (step S46). Whena result of the determination indicates that the input content does notindicate an instruction for “digest start” (NO in step S46), the processis returned to step S42, and the reproduction of the digest movie iscontinued. On the other hand, when a result of the determinationindicates that the input content indicates an instruction for “digeststart” (YES in step S46), a reproduction position at which the digestmovie is being currently reproduced is detected (step S47). An elapsedtime from the start of the reproduction of the digest movie is acquired,and the reproduction position at which the digest movie is beingcurrently reproduced is detected based on the elapsed time.

Next, the digest saved-data corresponding to the detected reproductionposition is retrieved and read (step S48). Specifically, the digestmovie correspondence table 129 is accessed, so as to retrieve the digestsaved-data name 1293 satisfying a condition that the acquired elapsedtime (that is, the current reproduction position) is greater than orequal to the reproduction from-time 1291 and smaller than thereproduction to-time 1292. In the example shown in FIG. 21, when, forexample, the digest start is made when four minutes has passed from thereproduction start, “digest saved-data 04” is detected. The data content1302 is read, as a part of the progress information 133 of the work area132, from the digest saved-data 130, based on the digest saved-data name1293.

Next, the game process in the digest mode described above is startedbased on the digest saved-data having been read (step S49). That is, thegame process is performed in a state where no saving is allowed. Inother words, in the digest mode, when an operation for saving isperformed while the game is being played, nothing is performed andinformation that no saving is allowed is displayed, or a display forsaving is not performed so as to prevent a user from performing anoperation for saving.

Next, whether or not an instruction for ending a game in the digest modeis issued is determined (step S50). When no instruction for ending isissued (NO in step S50), the process is returned to step S39, and thegame process in the digest mode is continued. When the instruction forending is issued (YES in step S50), the digest process is ended.

Next, the scene menu process of step S7 will be described in detail withreference to a flow chart shown in FIG. 29. In FIG. 29, firstly, thescene table 131 is read from the external main memory 12 (step S61).

Next, a screen (refer to FIG. 15) for listing and displaying the scenesin the game is generated based on the scene table 131 (step S62). Thelist screen is displayed, and an input from a user is received (stepS63). At this time, when the list screen is initially displayed, acursor is designating scene 001 displayed at the top of the screen.Further, the introduction movie 1315 for introducing the opening portionof the scene designated by the cursor is read and reproduced.

When a user makes an input on the list screen, whether or not the inputcontent represents an input for selecting one of the scenes isdetermined (step S64). When a result of the determination indicates thatno scene is selected (NO in step S64), whether or not an instruction forending the scene menu is inputted is subsequently determined (step S65).When a result of the determination indicates that no instruction forending is issued (NO in step S65), the process is returned to step S63,and when the instruction for ending is issued (YES in step S65), thescene menu process is ended.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 64 that one of thescenes is selected (YES in step S64), an inquiry screen as shown in FIG.16 is then displayed, and an input from a player is received (step S66).When a player makes an input in response to the inquiry screen, whetheror not the input content indicates an instruction for “game start” (forexample, whether or not “YES” is selected on the screen shown in FIG.16) is determined (step S67). When a result of the determinationindicates that the input content does not indicate an instruction for“game start” (NO in step S67), the process is returned to step S63, andthe list screen is displayed. On the other hand, when the input contentindicates an instruction for “game start” (YES in step S67), the digestsaved-data name 1314 corresponding to the selected scene is acquiredfrom the scene table 131. The data content 1302 is retrieved from thedigest saved-data 130 based on the digest saved-data name 1314, and isread as a part of the progress information 133 of the work area 132(step S68).

Next, similarly to the process of step S49, the game process is startedin the digest mode based on the digest saved-data having been read (stepS69).

Next, whether or not the instruction for ending the game in the digestmode is issued is determined (step S70). When no instruction for endingis issued (NO in step S70), the process is returned to step S59, and thegame process in the digest mode is continued. When the instruction forending is issued (YES in step S70), the scene menu process is ended.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when a player cannot findhow to solve the “puzzle” which is set in the game, the player isallowed to view, in the scene, moving images for indicating how to solvethe puzzle when the player desires to. Therefore, a player that cannotfind how to solve the “puzzle” may not become stuck with the game, andreduction, due to the puzzle being unsolved, in motivation for clearingthe game may be prevented. Thus, a player unaccustomed to a game or aplayer that does not have a lot of time for game play is allowed to playand clear the game to the end. Further, how to solve the “puzzle” isindicated as “moving images” by using an actual example in which thepuzzle is actually solved, and therefore a player knows, for certain,how to actually move (operate) the player character. Therefore, forexample, a player that cannot know, from a hint represented by onlycharacter information, how to solve the puzzle may not become stuck withthe game, and may be allowed to play the game to the end.

Further, a content (the scenario or the story) of the game can beroughly known from the digest movie, and further the game can be playedfrom a desired scene in the digest movie. Thus, even when the game isstarted from the middle of the digest, a player knows the flow of thepreceding story or the like, and therefore a state where a player doesnot know the storyline preceding the middle of the story can beprevented and the player is allowed to play the game in natural manner.Thus, even a player that does not have a lot of time for playing a largevolume of game can easily enjoy the large volume of game. Further, alsowhen the game is started from the middle of the digest movie or the gameis started from halfway by selecting the “scene menu”, a player mayenjoy playing the game without becoming stuck with the game because thedigest saved-data in which parameters of the player character and thelike are previously set in accordance with each scene is read for thegame play.

An image quality of the approach movie may be reduced as compared to ageneral game screen. For example, when a frame rate of a general gamescreen is set to 60 fps, a frame rate of the approach movie may be setto 15 fps. Further, the resolution of the approach movie may be set soas to be reduced. That is, the “visual quality” of the approach moviemay be set so as to be degraded as compared to an actual game screen.Thus, a player is prevented from being satisfied by viewing, in theapproach movie, a scene in which the puzzle is solved. A player thatdesires to view, with increased image quality, the scene in which thepuzzle is solved may think that the player needs to operate and play thegame by him/herself, so that the player may keep his/her motivation forthe game play.

Further, while the approach movie is being reproduced, the game processmay be temporarily stopped, or a player may be allowed to operate theplayer character. Further, when the game process is temporarily stopped,the approach movie may be displayed full-screen.

Further, in the embodiment described above, when the hint button 102 ispressed in the scene in which the “puzzle” is set, the approach movie isreproduced. Also when the hint button is pressed at a location otherthan a specific location in which the “puzzle” is set, the approachmovie corresponding to the “puzzle” set at the specific location whichis closest to the location, in the virtual game space, at which the hintbutton is pressed, may be reproduced.

Further, instead of reproducing the moving images, the approach moviemay be provided such that operation data representing the same movementas a movement of the player character in the approach movie ispreviously generated, and the player character is moved in a window forreproducing the approach movie, based on the operation data. The size ofa file can be reduced as compared to a case where a moving image file isreproduced.

Moreover, the content of the approach movie may represent, as movingimages, a content (game approach information) useful for continuing thegame in addition to a method for solving a predetermined puzzle (trick).For example, the content of the approach movie may be moving images forindicating how to fight against a boss character which is eliminatedonly by attacking a predetermined weak point. Further, for example, thecontent of the approach movie may be moving images indicating rocks tobe pressed, and the order in which the rocks are to be pressed, so as tojump over a valley in which a lot of rocks to be pressed are scattered.In other words, any approach movie representing game approachinformation for preventing the game from becoming stuck may be used.When such approach information represents an actual movement of a playercharacter, a player may not become stuck with the game. As a result, aplayer unaccustomed to a game or a player that does not have a lot oftime for game play may smoothly play the game, and continue to play alarge volume of game to the end so as to clear the game.

Further, the use of the digest saved-data may not be allowed for acertain initial time period (immediately after the game is purchased).For example, although the digest saved-data cannot be used immediatelyafter the game is purchased, a plurality of pieces of the digestsaved-data may be gradually used in accordance with a time period inwhich the game has been played. In this case, the digest saved-data areset so as not to be used when the game is shipped. The flash memory 17of the game apparatus body 3 purchased by a player stores the totalcumulative time period obtained by adding the time periods in which thegame has been played. The total cumulative time period during which thegame has been played is read from the flash memory 17 every time thegame is started, and when the total cumulative time period during whichthe game has been played is greater than a predetermined time period,the use of the digest saved-data may be allowed. Thus, the endingportion of the game cannot be played from the beginning, so that aplayer may not reduce his/her interest in the game, and when a user, whocannot continue the game, almost gives up the game halfway, the use ofthe digest saved-data is allowed, thereby enhancing the motivation ofthe player. The use of the digest saved-data may be allowed when apredetermined time period has passed from the release date of the game,or from a date on which the game is played for the first time as well asthe use of the digest saved-data may be allowed based on the total timeperiod during which the game has been played. Thus, the digestsaved-data can be used regardless of the play time of each player, andtherefore, when a predetermined time period has passed, a player whodesires to clear the game by him/herself at first but has stoppedplaying the game halfway, or the like, is allowed to use the digestsaved-data for playing the game to the end. Further, most of the usersmay desire to clear the game by him/herself immediately after therelease date, and therefore when the increased number of the users havecleared the game, the digest saved-data can be used, so that a user whodesires to clear the game by him/herself may not lose his/her interestin the game.

Further, the “digest” is set so as not to be selected from the titlemenu shown in FIG. 8 for a certain initial time period. Only when thepredetermined time period as described above has passed, the “digest”may be selected from the title menu shown in FIG. 8.

Further, the digest saved-data may not be stored in the optical disc 4,and may be distributed through the network. In this case, a server forstoring and distributing the digest saved-data is provided. The gameapparatus body 3 is allowed to access the server by using the wirelesscommunication module 18 of the game apparatus body 3 through, forexample, the Internet. The digest saved-data may be downloaded from theserver, and stored in the flash memory 17. Alternatively, the digestsaved-data may not be stored in the flash memory 17, and may be usedonly when the game apparatus body 3 is connected to the network. Forexample, when the “scene menu” is selected from the title menu shown inFIG. 8, the game apparatus body 3 may be automatically connected to thenetwork. The digest saved-data is acquired from the server, and thescreen as shown in FIG. 15 may be displayed based on the digestsaved-data. Also in this case, the ending portion of the game is notallowed to be played from the beginning, so that a player may not reducehis/her interest in the game.

Further, when the digest saved-data is distributed from the server, thedistribution time may be set such that the digest saved-data issequentially distributed after a predetermined time period has passedfrom the release date of the game. Thus, the digest saved-data can bedistributed regardless of the play time of each player, and, therefore,for example, even a player who desires to clear the game by him/herselfat first but has stopped playing the game halfway, can download thedigest saved-data from the server after the predetermined time periodhas passed, so that the player may play the game to the end. Further,the digest saved-data is distributed after a predetermined time periodhas passed from the release date, and therefore it is easier to play thegame to the end.

Further, only when a player clears the game at least once, the use ofthe digest saved-data may be allowed. Thus, it is possible to prevent aplayer who has cleared the game by him/herself from reducing his/herinterest in the game. Further, before the predetermined time period asdescribed above has passed, the digest saved-data may be used only whenthe game has been cleared, and after the predetermined time period asdescribed above has passed, the digest saved-data may be used even whenthe game has not been cleared. Thus, a user who desires to clear thegame by him/herself is allowed to have an advantage that the user isallowed to view the digest at any time, and play a desired scene.

Further, the “approach movie” described above as well as the digestsaved-data may be distributed through the network. Also in this case,the “approach movie” may be downloaded only when a predetermined timeperiod based on the play time or the like has passed. Thus, a player whohas become stuck with the game and has given up clearing the game mayplay the game again.

Furthermore, the flash memory 17 or the like stores an operation historyof a game play of each player, and each player may be allowed to createhis/her own “approach movie” based on the operation history. The“approach movie” created by each player may be uploaded to the server.When the hint button 102 is pressed, the server may be accessed so as toview the “approach movies” created by various players. Thus, when, forexample, a plurality of methods may be considered as a method forapproaching a scene in the game, a plurality of approach methodsincluding an approach method for which a skilled operation is required,a method in which an approach is made in a relatively easy operation,and the like may be viewed. It is possible to provide each player withinformation about an approach method which meets, for example, a skillof the each player for game play. As a result, a player may be preventedfrom becoming stuck with the game for increased certainty. Further, whenit is possible to create and upload his/her own “approach movie”, aplayer can enjoy introducing his/her skill in the game approach toanother player, and the game becomes more enjoyable.

Further, each player may be allowed to edit the moving images in variousmanners when creating his/her own “approach movie” (for example,character representing comments or the like of the player may beincluded and simultaneously displayed in the moving images). Thus, it ispossible to create and upload the “approach movie” based on theindividual character of each player in addition to simple creation andupload of the “approach movie”. As a result, it is possible to viewvarious “approach movies” based on the individual character of eachplayer, thereby enhancing interest in the game.

Furthermore, the game apparatus of the present embodiment is similarlyapplied as a game apparatus incorporating a monitor, and a personalcomputer and a workstation functioning as a game apparatus by executingthe game program, and the like.

While the invention has been described in detail, the foregoingdescription is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It isunderstood that numerous other modifications and variations can bedevised without departing from the scope of the invention.

1. A computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a gameprogram executed by a computer of a game apparatus for performing a gameprocess in accordance with a user making an operation input, andstarting the game process by using saved data, the game program causingthe computer to function as: game process means for performing the gameprocess; user saved-data storage means for storing user saved-data whichis generated in accordance with a user making an operation input duringthe game process; digest saved-data storage means for storing aplurality of pieces of digest saved-data which are previously generatedso as to be associated with predetermined scenes, respectively, in agame; game start means for starting the game process without using theuser saved-data and the plurality of pieces of digest saved-data; gameresuming means for starting the game process by using the usersaved-data; digest game start means for starting the game process byusing any of the plurality of pieces of digest saved-data; and savingmeans for generating the user saved-data, only in the game processstarted by one of the game start means and the game resuming means, andstoring the user saved-data in a user saved-data storage means.
 2. Thecomputer-readable storage medium having stored therein the game programaccording to claim 1, wherein the program causes the computer to furtherfunction as moving image storage means for storing a digest moving imagefor sequentially displaying moving images associated with a plurality ofscenes, respectively, in the game; and moving image reproduction meansfor reading the digest moving image from the moving image storage means,and reproducing the digest moving image; wherein the digest saved-datastorage means stores the plurality of pieces of digest saved-data so asto be associated with reproduction portions at which the predeterminedscenes, respectively, are displayed in the digest moving image; andwherein the digest game start means starts, when a predetermined inputis made while the digest moving image is being reproduced, the gameprocess by using digest saved-data among the plurality of pieces ofdigest saved-data, the digest saved-data among the plurality of piecesof digest saved-data being associated with a reproduction portion, amongthe reproduction portions, at which the predetermined input is made. 3.The computer-readable storage medium having stored therein the gameprogram according to claim 1, wherein the program causes the computer tofurther function as scene selection means for displaying a plurality ofpieces of scene information associated with the predetermined scenes,respectively, in the game so as to allow one of the predetermined scenesto be selected, and wherein the digest game start means starts the gameprocess by using one of the plurality of pieces of digest saved-data,the one of the plurality of pieces of digest saved-data being associatedwith the one of the predetermined scenes in the game, the one of thepredetermined scenes having been selected by the scene selection means.4. The computer-readable storage medium having stored therein the gameprogram according to claim 1, wherein the program causes the computer tofurther function as: connection means for connecting through a networkto a predetermined server in which the plurality of pieces of digestsaved-data are stored; and digest saved-data reception means forreceiving any of the plurality of pieces of digest saved-data from thepredetermined server through the connection means, wherein the digestgame start means starts the game process by using the digest saved-datareceived from the predetermined server by the digest saved-datareception means.
 5. The computer-readable storage medium having storedtherein the game program according to claim 1, wherein the programcauses the computer to further function as time period measurement meansfor measuring a time period from a predetermined time point to a time atwhich the game process is being currently performed, and wherein thedigest game start means starts the game process by using any of theplurality of pieces of digest saved-data only when the time periodmeasured by the time period measurement means represents a value greaterthan a predetermined value.
 6. A computer-readable storage medium havingstored therein a game program executed by a computer of a game apparatusfor performing a game process in accordance with a user making anoperation input, and starting the game process by using saved data, thegame program causing the computer to function as: game process means forperforming the game process; moving image storage means for storing adigest moving image for sequentially displaying moving images associatedwith a plurality of scenes, respectively, in a game; and moving imagereproduction means for reading the digest moving image from the movingimage storage means, and reproducing the digest moving image; digestsaved-data storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of digestsaved-data which are previously generated so as to be associated withpredetermined scenes in the game and reproduction portions at which thepredetermined scenes, respectively, are displayed in the digest movingimage; and digest game start means for starting, when a predeterminedinput is made while the digest moving image is being reproduced, thegame process by using digest saved-data among the plurality of pieces ofdigest saved-data, the digest saved-data among the plurality of piecesof digest saved-data being associated with a reproduction portion, amongthe reproduction portions, at which the predetermined input is made. 7.A game apparatus for performing a game process in accordance with a usermaking an operation input, and starting the game process by using saveddata, the game apparatus comprising: game process means for performingthe game process; user saved-data storage means for storing usersaved-data which is generated as a result of a game play performed by auser; digest saved-data storage means for storing a plurality of piecesof digest saved-data which are previously generated so as to beassociated with predetermined scenes, respectively, in a game; gamestart means for starting the game process without using the usersaved-data and the plurality of pieces of digest saved-data; gameresuming means for starting the game process by using the usersaved-data; digest game start means for starting the game process byusing any of the plurality of pieces of digest saved-data; and savingmeans for generating the user saved-data, only in the game processstarted by one of the game start means and the game resuming means, andstoring the user saved-data in a user saved-data storage means.
 8. Agame apparatus for performing a game process in accordance with a usermaking an operation input, and starting the game process by using saveddata, the game apparatus comprising: game process means for performingthe game process; moving image storage means for storing a digest movingimage for sequentially displaying moving images associated with aplurality of scenes, respectively, in a game; moving image reproductionmeans for reading the digest moving image from the moving image storagemeans, and reproducing the digest moving image; digest saved-datastorage means for storing a plurality of pieces of digest saved-datawhich are previously generated so as to be associated with predeterminedscenes in the game and reproduction portions at which the predeterminedscenes, respectively, are displayed in the digest moving image; anddigest game start means for starting, when a predetermined input is madewhile the digest moving image is being reproduced, the game process byusing digest saved-data among the plurality of pieces of digestsaved-data, the digest saved-data among the plurality of pieces ofdigest saved-data being associated with a reproduction portion, amongthe reproduction portions, at which the predetermined input is made.